Dakar Entertainment

  1. Alizé Club

    You want to master the mbalax ? The informal environment of this live-music club is a good place to practise that seductive hip swing.

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  2. Bar L'Impérial

    For those who like their bars nice and calm.

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  3. Café Indigo

    Somewhere between a restaurant, a café and a bar, this is a relaxed place to start your night out.

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  4. Casino du Cap Vert

    Utterly popular, this stylish place is on the route to the airport, and a good place to spot famous singers and footballers.

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  5. Casino du Port

    Lose your money in luxurious surroundings.

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  6. Club Thiossane

    World music fans should head for this hot and crowded club in La Médina, north of Marché Sandaga. It's owned by the legendary Youssou N'Dour, and when he's not touring the man himself performs here most Friday and Saturday nights. Club Thiossane can be very hard to find, and seeing as you probably won't be heading there until late it's best to take a taxi - it's pronounced Cho-sahn and all the drivers know it.

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  7. Hôtel de l'Indépendance

    This is the most notable of the hotel bars, with its rooftop bar by the pool. It is worth coming to have a drink here if only for the fantastic views at sunset - although the height of the parapet means you have to sit on the table to enjoy them.

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  8. Iguane Café

    The mock-military décor may be aggressive to the eye, but the atmosphere is decidedly relaxed.

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  9. Just 4 U

    This spacious bar-restaurant is Dakar's best address for live music. There's a concert every night, often by one of Senegal's greatest artists.

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  10. Kadjinol Station

    This lounge bar and global-food restaurant off Rue Sarraut also has the most interesting film selection in town, with a strong focus on world cinema, as well as Hollywood classics and recent hits. Film viewings are free with purchase of drinks and/or food.

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  12. Kilimanjaro

    The mighty Thione Seck plays here, at his personal club, every Friday. A fabulous place with a friendly ambiance. Dress smart.

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  13. King's Club

    This inner-city club is hugely popular for its heavy dance beats and good vibes.

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  14. Koulgraoul

    This relaxed club night held once a month in the garden of the Océanium (behind the Palais Présidentiel) attracts a mixed, laid-back crowd. Relief - a less dressed-up affair than most of Dakar's clubs.

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  15. Le Mex

    This colourful Mexican restaurant transforms into a lively bar at night. It's popular with the French military and their obligatory female following.

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  16. Le Seven

    The glittering queen of Dakar's bars. So plugged-in, you risk electrocution.

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  17. Pen'Art

    Around the corner from Just 4 U, this is a cosy jazz club with good bands in a relaxed atmosphere.

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  18. Playclub

    The club of the Hôtel Al Afifa is a classy affair for the over 30s, so the music is smooth and comes spiced with salsa beats.

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  19. Senat

    Favourite hang-out and hunting ground of the Dakarois jet set and the French 'upper class'.

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  20. Snooker Palace

    This polished snooker hall starts early and gets hotter by the hour. Giant plasma screens ooze class and are perfect for watching football matches.

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  21. Sunset

    Similarly popular with the Dakarois, this club is on the northeastern corner of the intersection of Av Blaise Diagne and Blvd de la Gueule-Tapée, about 3km northwest of Marché Sandaga.

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  23. Théâtre Daniel Sorano

    This is Dakar's proudest theatre. The Ensemble Instrumental, the Ballet National du Sénégal and the Théâtre National du Sénégal perform here on occasion. Check listings magazines and posters for event updates.

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